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Drishti

​Drishti  Sanskrit: दृष्टि or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. It relates to the fifth limb of yoga pratyahara concerning sense withdrawal, as well as the sixth limb dharana relating to concentration.
​A drishti (view or gaze) is a specific focal point that is employed during meditation or while holding a yoga posture. The ancient yogis discovered that where our gaze is directed our attention naturally follows, and that the quality of our gazing is directly reflected in the quality of our mental thoughts. When the gaze is fixed on a single point the mind is diminished from being stimulated by all other external objects. And when the gaze is fixed on a single point within the body, our awareness draws inwards and the mind remains undisturbed by external stimuli. Thus, the use of a drishti allows the mind to focus and move into a deep state of concentration. And the constant application of drishti develops ekagraha, single-pointed focus, an essential yogic technique used to still the mind.
​​1. Thumb, or Angusthamadhye, as in Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute in Sun Salutation).

2. Tip of the nose, or Nasagre, as in Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold). Also used frequently in inversions such as Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand) and backbends such as Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel) and Ustrasana (Camel).

3. Hand, or Hastagre, as practiced in poses such as Trikonasana (Triangle) and Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extended Side Angle) in which the hand directs the pose’s energetic reach.

4 and 5. Sideways to the right and sideways to the left, or Parsva drishti. Parsva drishti is potentially more ambiguous than other drishtis, as “sideways” can be up for interpretation. Generally the sideways gaze follows the direction as the head, ie, upward, level, downward, etc. Practiced in twists such as Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes), Marichyasana (Marichi’s Pose) and Bharadvajasana (Bharadvaja’s Twist).

6. Upward, or Urdhva drishti. This drishti and both Parsva drishtis ask you to gaze into infinity instead of at a specific part of your body. You may practice this drishti in Utkatasana (Chair pose) or Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I).

7. Navel, or Nabhichakra. The navel, also referred to as the magic circle, is the focal point for poses such as Adho Mukha Svanasasana (Downward Facing Dog).

8. Toes, or Padayoragre, as in Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) and Janusirsasana (Head to Knee pose).
​
9. The third eye, or Bhrumadhye. Here, eyes are halfway or fully closed and gazing toward the space between the eyebrows. Asanas include Matsyasana (Fish pose), Viparita Virabhadrasana (Reverse Warrior) as well as seated meditation.

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